AUSTRALIAN Idol's youngest-ever contestant has launched a stinging attack on the reality series' producers after being seriously assaulted by six men, claiming the show made him a target.
Tom Williams was beaten so badly he fractured his eye socket and he says the incident took place because producers didn't provide contestants with adequate support after the show.
"After Idol they completely drop you," Williams told The Sunday Telegraph. "I was there with all this exposure and it was difficult without any support."
After being booted off Idol in 2008, the year Wes Carr was crowned winner, Williams returned to Adelaide to live with his parents. He finished Year 11 but dropped out because he claims he was bullied by fellow students and teachers.
He is now studying a diploma of music.
Two weeks ago, Williams claims six men attacked him in Adelaide's Melrose Park.
He is reluctant to discuss details as charges have been laid and the matter is likely to be heard in court.
After the attack, Williams spent two days in hospital. He is scheduled to fly home to Adelaide tomorrow to consult specialist doctors on his fractured eye socket.
"They were calling me a faggot and all that kind of stuff before they started kicking me," said Williams, in Sydney to promote his debut single, LOL.
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